Bridging Inner Development and Global Challenges by Embedding IDGs in Education: The Case of Nyenrode

This impact case description addresses the growing need for leaders who possess the inner capacities to navigate complex global challenges, such as those outlined by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It examines Nyenrode Business University's approach to this challenge, leveraging its pre-existing mission focused on shaping responsible leaders to integrate the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework into its educational processes. The purpose of this study is to showcase the rationale, implementation, and initial stages of this integration, highlighting how Nyenrode seeks to equip future leaders with essential inner capacities to address complex global challenges aligned with the SDGs. The study employs a case study approach, examining Nyenrode's strategic initiatives and practical implementation of the IDGs. The methodology is based on curriculum mapping, which systematically analyses the integration of SDGs, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, responsible leadership orientations, and specific IDG competencies across Nyenrode's twelve-degree programs. The case also considers collaborative initiatives, faculty development efforts, and the university's commitment to transformative, reflexive, and experiential learning. The initial findings reveal a multi-faceted approach by Nyenrode, including the translation of its core values into ten competencies aligned with the IDG framework. Curriculum mapping indicates varying levels of SDG and ESG integration across programs, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Furthermore, the university emphasizes systems thinking and reflexive learning methodologies. Nyenrode's experience demonstrates the importance of aligning IDG integration with the institution's core mission, adopting a phased and integrated curriculum design, investing in faculty development, prioritizing reflexive learning, and developing robust Assurance of Learning processes.